Camera Obscura: Desire Lines

Belle & Sebastian aren’t the only Scottish outfit with a neat line in wistful, retro indie: Camera Obscura, led by vocalist Traceyanne Campbell, have been plying their gently melodic trade since 1996. Their first three albums (Biggest Bluest Hi Fi, Underachievers Please Try Harder, Let’s Get Out of This Placemaking) endeared them to indie kids, and singles such as French Navy, Teenager and Lloyd, I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken showed their seductive charm. Desire Lines, a much-delayed follow up to 2009’s My Maudlin Career, is well worth the wait; Campbell’s singing is as hopelessly romantic as ever, while keyboard player/vocalist Carey Lander and guitarist/mandolin player Kenny McKeever skilfully hold the songs’ delicate balance. Troublemaker, New Year’s Resolution and Do It Again manage to be both brash and coy, while Fifth in Line to the Throne and Break It to You Gently are subtly edgy ballads. camera-obscura.net Download tracks: New Year’s Resolution, Do It Again, Fifth in Line to the Throne